Meet the immune system and how it fights germs and viruses.

Let’s zoom into the human body to see how your immune system fights germs when you are sick.

Let’s say you get a fever and symptoms like swelling and a high temperature start. Those symptoms are there for a reason. The main defense system of your body is your immune system. If bacteria and germs enter your body, there are a few things your body can do to try to defend itself based on the situation.

Your skin is the first layer of defense. It is like a strong wall that covers your body and keeps germs out. If germs climb up into your nose and throat, they stick to a slippery liquid called mucus. If they go into your mouth and stomach, stomach acid breaks down and destroys many of the germs.

If germs cross these defenses and enter the body, lots of cells come together to do their job. It starts with different cells, but they all come from a group called white blood cells. These white blood cells come from a soft tissue inside your bones called bone marrow. The white blood cells then move into another system called the lymphatic system, where part of their job is done.

White Blood Cells and Their Jobs

There are many different types of white blood cells, and each one has its own job. White blood cells are divided into two main groups: phagocytes and lymphocytes.

• Phagocytes start the immune response first. They include macrophages and dendritic cells. These cells act immediately by eating germs they encounter. After eating a germ, they identify special clues on it called antigens and send that information to other immune cells.
• Macrophages search for germs and locate them using antigens, which are found on the surfaces of bacteria and viruses.
• Dendritic cells help carry information about germs so the immune system knows what it is fighting.
• Lymphocytes use the information from antigens to respond in a more targeted way. There are different types of lymphocytes:
  • T cells look for cells that are infected by a virus and kill them.
  • Helper T cells help other immune cells do their jobs.
  • B cells produce special proteins called antibodies. Each antibody has a unique shape that matches a specific antigen, allowing the immune system to get rid of unwanted cells. B cells can produce more than one million antibodies.

Why Symptoms Happen

The symptoms mentioned earlier are there to help cure your body. When your body temperature rises, it becomes harder for germs to spread. When body cells are damaged, they release a fluid that leaks into the surrounding tissue. This causes swelling and attracts phagocytes, making it easier for them to locate and destroy germs.

Normally, your immune system will locate and fight germs within a few days. The purpose of your immune system is not to stop you from ever getting sick, but to protect you from infections that could lead to bigger diseases. Your immune system is constantly patrolling your body, and that has another advantage, it helps build long-term immunity. When B cells and T cells identify antigens, they remember them, so if the same germs return, the body can respond faster and produce the correct antibodies.

Vaccines

Have you ever heard someone say vaccines are good for you, but they make you feel sick? Vaccines contain weakened or inactive parts of a virus that train your immune system without causing serious illness. This allows your immune system to recognize the germ and respond faster in the future, which helps build immunity and makes your immune system stronger.

Helpful Things to Strengthen Your Immune System

Earlier, it was said that your skin is the first layer of defense. Washing your hands helps keep it clean and also breaks the outer layer of germs so they can be removed before they reach your cells.

Another helpful thing is sleep. While you are sleeping, your body produces immune proteins and prepares antibodies before you even get sick. Healthy foods also help immune cells function properly.

• Vitamin C helps immune cells work better.
• Vitamin D helps immune cells respond correctly.
• Protein helps the body produce antibodies.

One thing that can weaken the immune system is stress. Long-term stress releases hormones that make immune cells slower and less effective. Small habits like deep breathing, talking to others, and relaxation can help protect your immune system.